Time flies...

Hard to believe the semester is almost over in less than a week, it's crazy how fast this semester has flown by for me. Lots has happened since my last update so where to begin?

There was a break in at my house (and by break in I mean one of my housemates forgot to lock the door so someone walked right in while we were all sleeping). They stole my purse so I lost my cash, camera, and most of the money from one of my bank accounts. It was stressful and frustrating at the time but I had a lot of support from my parents and friends and I realize it could have ended up much worse. I am finally getting things settled with the bank, the camera is replaceable, and someone ended up finding my purse ditched on the side of the road and returned it so I was able to get my phone and ID's back. I'm very thankful for Simone especially for all her help throughout the ordeal, I don't know what I would have done without her.

Despite that small setback things have been great here. I have really enjoyed my two Aboriginal studies courses. I had the same professor for both and he was really great. I learned a lot about Australian history in general and more specifically the social injustices Indigenous people have faced since colonization. I had no idea what a huge issue it was here and I am so glad I am more informed about it now. I'm actually kind of disappointed classes are over because I have met a lot of great people through both my classes and exchange and I will miss seeing them on a regular basis.

I'm actually pretty busy with schoolwork this week. I'm lucky enough to only have one final at the very beginning of the exam period but that also means I have final research papers instead for all my classes and they're all due around the same time. I'm trying to finish early so I can be ready to show Todd around Sydney when he arrives on Wednesday. We'll spend a few days here before traveling up the coast to Cairns to see the Rainforest and Reef before heading on to New Zealand. We're planning on driving the South Island together before he has to head back home and I will continue on to see the North on my own.

After that I'll head back to Sydney and have less than a week left in the house before it's time to move out, seems so soon! Most exchange students are leaving right at the end of the semester so there will be a lot of goodbyes but it will also be exciting to continue on with the rest of the journey. Simone and I plan to stay in Australia until late July/early August so we will have about a month to travel. We haven't made specific plans yet but we will probably spend a few last weeks in Sydney before heading up the coast to enjoy some warmer weather. We'll see where life takes us...

That's as much time as I have for an update now but hopefully I'll get around to a more detailed one after I come back from my travels with Todd. Hope all is well with everyone!